The best way to describe the difference between bacterial vaginosis and yeast infection is by the type of vaginal discharge they cause. In a yeast infection, the vaginal discharge is usually odorless, thick and white. The discharge in BV is gray or white, thin and milky. In most cases it has an unpleasant fishy smell.
The normal the vagina contains an abundance of protective bacteria called lactobacilli. When these "good" bacteria have been removed, we'll find an overgrowth of potentially "bad" bacteria.  They are harmful and can lead to bacterial vaginosis.

Yeast infections occur when yeast in the vagina called candida albicans, becomes unbalanced. This unbalance may be caused by bad diets and antibiotics. When this yeast or fungus becomes unbalanced, the candida will commonly multiply quickly.

Scientists have found that many women are misinterpreting their symptoms. What they often assume is a yeast infection is in fact bacterial vaginosis or BV for short. In a recent survey, 44 percent of women whom doctors diagnosed with BV had initially treated themselves for a yeast infection. These two types of vaginal infections have different causes, therefore they have different treatments.

Pay close attention to any vaginal symptom, and check with your doctor if you have any doubt between these two conditions. Here are the differences in a nutshell:

-        Bacterial vaginosis has a mean fishy odor, yeast infection has no odor.
-        Bacterial vaginosis has a white or gray thin milky discharge, yeast infection has a white and think discharge.
-        Up to half of women suffering from bacterial vaginosis are affected with itching or irritation while almost all woman with yeast infection has itching or irritation.
-        The cause of bacterial vaginosis is bacteria. The cause of yeast infection is yeast.

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Bacterial Vaginosis is the most common cause of vaginal discharge. It's actual an overgrowth of the bad bacteria that is normally found in the vagina.  Usually, when the vagina is healthy, there is a balance of good and bad bacteria.

In a healthy vagina, there is a balance of good and the bad bacteria.  When Bacterial Vaginosis occurs, the good bacteria are lessened or gone and the bad bacteria flourish.  BV is most commonly found in women who are sexually active.

The symptoms of Bacterial Vaginosis include fishy or musky vaginal odor, a thin white or gray discharge and irritation or itching in the vaginal area. Some minor cases of BV infections may heal without treatment. Nevertheless, if you suspect you have Bacterial Vaginosis, you must see your physician because the infection can cause more serious conditions, for example pelvic inflammatory disease.

Your physician will be able to determine if you have Bacterial Vaginosis by performing a physical examination which entails testing a swab that contains a sample of vaginal discharge. For pregnant women bacterial vaginosis treatment is especially important because the infection can cause premature delivery or low birth weight for the baby. For some pregnant women who have previously had a baby born prematurely, experts often recommend that they be tested and, if necessary, treated for Bacterial Vaginosis.

Every year, more than 800,000 pregnant women are infected with Bacterial Vaginosis in America.

If you have BV, your doctor may prescribe Metronidazole or Flagyl for you. While you're taking Metronidazole, it is important to avoid alcohol, even in small amounts because it can cause nausea and vomiting.  Because Metronidazole may interact with other medications so make sure you tell your physician about all the medications you are taking, whether prescribed or not.

Metronidazole is prescribed in oral form or as a vaginal gel. The oral form of Metronidazole is 500 mg and should be taken twice daily for seven days. The gel is applied once daily for seven days or twice daily for five days.

Lactobacillus vaginal suppositories are another treatment option. Lactobacillus is the name of the good bacteria normally found in the vagina. Studies so far have not been conclusive as to whether it actually is giving bacterial vaginosis relief or not. Clindamycin is sometimes prescribed as a cure for bacterial vaginosis.

During a bacterial vaginosis cure, it is recommended that you avoid sexual intercourse and/or if you have multiple sex partners, at least reduce the number of partners until the infection is cured. It is also recommended that you stay away from douching. It is very important that you use all of the medication your doctor has prescribed even if you feel relief before the cure is over.

by Gerd Petersen